Overview of Joe and Jada — Amanda Serrano on Puerto Rico’s FIRST undisputed champ, Katie Taylor fights & future of women’s boxing
Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano joins Joe and Jada for a wide-ranging interview covering her historic achievements (first undisputed champion for Puerto Rico), memorable fights (Katie Taylor series), career choices (brief MMA stint), the business of women’s boxing, and her mission to lift other female fighters. She mixes anecdotes about life on and off the ropes (sneaker culture, music, family), gives blunt takes on judging/politics in boxing, and outlines how she’s helping build the next generation through MVP and upcoming ESPN coverage.
Topics discussed
- Amanda’s Puerto Rican roots and what becoming the island’s first undisputed champion meant to her and the community
- Headlining Madison Square Garden as a female boxer and sell-out nights
- Her trilogy with Katie Taylor — competitiveness, controversial scoring, and the politics of judging
- Transition to and brief career in MMA (2-0-1, two submission wins) and why MMA initially paid better for women
- Growth and business of women’s boxing: signing with MVP, ESPN debut, and opening doors for other fighters
- Mentoring and managing younger talent (Elise Soto, Alicia Baumgardner, Crystal Rosado, Cindy Serrano)
- Fighting style and philosophy: “fighter first,” entertainment focus, push for knockouts and records
- Weight classes and rehydration advantage — why featherweight (126 lb) is her best division
- Early career pay struggles (as low as ~$1,500 for title fights) vs. becoming one of the highest-paid female boxers
- Off-ring life: sneaker collecting, music preferences (reggaeton/rap), family and training camp dynamics
- Anecdotes on street encounters, legends (Roy Jones, Mike Tyson), and the realities of fame
Key takeaways
- Historic accomplishments: Amanda positions herself as the first undisputed champion from Puerto Rico and the first female boxer to command seven divisions as a world champion — she highlights both pride and responsibility in those milestones.
- Business leverage matters: Amanda used an MMA move to force better boxing pay; she stresses negotiating your value and creating competition to improve terms.
- Women’s boxing is ascending commercially: Signing with MVP and the ESPN partnership marks a significant broadcast step that should widen exposure and pay for female fighters.
- Amanda’s identity: She’s an entertainer and a fighter — aggressive, crowd-pleasing style, prioritizes knockouts and giving fans a show.
- Mentorship and legacy: She’s actively signing and managing young women to ensure better pay and exposure than earlier generations received.
- Weight/recovery differences are real: Small absolute weight differences at weigh-in can translate to significant advantages after rehydration, especially when Amanda fights up in weight classes.
Notable quotes
- “I wasn't taught boxing. I was taught to be a fighter.”
- “I became the first Undisputed Champion for Puerto Rico because we needed something... I’m glad I gave that to them.”
- “Don’t leave it to the judges.” (on scoring and politics in boxing)
- “Because of me, MVP took a chance with a woman. We proved women are marketable.”
- On money and legacy: “Feeding somebody is the biggest thing you could do while you were on earth.”
Practical actions & where to watch
- MVP women’s boxing debuts on ESPN: Amanda says the U.S. debut is April 17 at Madison Square Garden (UK/Sky Sports windows earlier in April). (Check local listings and ESPN app for exact dates/times.)
- Fans interested in rising talent: watch Elise Soto (20, 10-0, 9 KOs), Alicia Baumgardner (headlining upcoming Garden card), Crystal Rosado, and other MVP roster fighters.
- For promoters/managers: Amanda’s story underscores the value in investing in women’s boxing (marketing, fair pay, televised cards) — consider bidding and broadcast partnerships to grow the sport.
Quick facts & credentials (from the interview)
- Amanda Serrano: multi-division world champion, self-described seven-division champ
- Claimed career KO total discussed: ~31 KOs (aiming to tie/break Christy Martin’s 32)
- Amateur background: very limited amateur experience (around nine fights; started pro shortly after)
- MMA record referenced: 2-0-1 (two submissions)
- First million-dollar female boxing payday: credited as a career milestone and breaker of the pay ceiling for women
- MVP roster: over 40 women; partnership with ESPN announced
Final notes
This episode is a mix of fight-savvy insight, personal storytelling, and an unapologetic push for parity and visibility in women’s boxing. Amanda’s interview is useful for fans who want context on her career decisions, for industry people tracking the commercial growth of female combat sports, and for anyone tracking the next wave of female boxing talent.